Language Technologies Researcher (maternity cover)

Applications are invited for a full-time position covering maternity leave in the Language Technologies Unit, Canolfan Bedwyr. The successful candidate will join a team of language experts and software developers to develop, evaluate and improve open-source text, speech and translation technologies for Welsh and other less-resourced languages. The innovation of the Language Technologies Unit in the past has led to a leading position supporting organisations, companies and thousands of users around the world every day in their Welsh and multilingual environments.

The Unit is also responsible for developing the National Language Technologies Portal (Porth Technolegau Iaith Cenedlaethol) (techiaith.cymru) as well as the National Terms Portal (Porth Termau Cenedlaethol). The post holder will work under the supervision of the Head of the Unit, Gruffudd Prys, and will work with other Unit researchers. Applicants should be educated to degree standard (or have equivalent professional experience in a relevant field) and have a keen interest in Language Technologies. The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible. The post is available for a period of 9 months. The ability to communicate in Welsh is essential for this post. This role is based on the Bangor campus. Through our Dynamic Working framework there will also be an option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining within the UK) to support work-life balance. These arrangements will be discussed further with candidates at interview. Applications will also be considered to fulfil this role on a part-time or job-sharing basis.

Applications should only be submitted through our online recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865. For informal discussions regarding this post, please contact Gruffudd Prys, (01248 383559; g.prys@bangor.ac.uk).

Closing date for applications: 12 May 2026

Committed to Equal Opportunities

The main duties and responsibilities include:

• Engaging with stakeholders across Wales to collect Welsh data for training models including speech recognition.
• Transcribing speech data and contributing to the transcription targets of the proposed project.
• Using, testing and evaluating the Unit's language technology resources, such as Y Trawsgrifiwr (trawsgrifiwr.techiaith.cymru), to support developers' work and improve user experience.
• Assisting Unit researchers in developing established transcription principles.
• Supporting external projects, including recruiting, training and mentoring interns.
• Writing progress reports for funders.
• Promoting the Unit's work by creating multimedia materials and promotional content.
• Updating and maintaining the National Language Technologies Portal to ensure information is current and accessible.
• Providing support and training on using the Unit's resources when needed.
• Participating in national events as required.
• Assisting with any other duties related to the work, as directed by the Head of the Unit and within the pay scale definition.

Other duties and responsibilities include:

• Participating in development activities and performance reviews.
• Complying with university policies and statements on equality, its Dignity at Work and Study policy, and its Welsh Language Policy.
• General care and legal duties in relation to health, safety and welfare, taking all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and other staff members, students and visitors.
• Complying with all relevant health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• Complying with legal and regulatory policies and procedures.

Personal Requirements

Essential Qualifications/Training:

• Degree in a relevant subject area or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

Desirable:

• Higher degree in a relevant subject area.

Experience/Knowledge:

• Desirable experience of working in the field of Language Technologies.
• Experience contributing to open source projects.
• Experience working to develop speech technology.
• Experience in collecting, processing, and analysing language data.
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders or on research projects in Wales.

Essential Skills/Abilities:

• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable:

• The ability to contribute to discussions regarding term standardisation.

Other:

• Essential: The ability to speak and write Welsh in a variety of situations is essential for this role.
• A live interest in Language Technologies.
• A live interest in the Welsh language.

General:

The university is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved by attracting, developing and retaining a diverse range of staff from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to develop a workplace from all parts of the community regardless of gender, identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship status, religion or belief, or any other characteristic.